Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate in-flight fuel planning that resulted in fuel starvation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After flying three and one half hours, the pilot diverted to an airport short of the destination airport for fuel. About three miles northeast of the airport the engine quit, and attempts by the pilot to restore engine power failed. A forced landing was made in a wooded area short of the runway. Examination of the wreckage disclosed that the left fuel tank was half full and the right fuel tank was ruptured. A few drops of fuel were recovered from the gascolator. The fuel selector was in the right position. The pilot stated that he forgot to switch the fuel selector from the right position.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 14, 1994, at 2157 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 140, N6380W, collided with trees during a forced landing, about 3 miles northeast of the Raleigh-Durham Airport, Raleigh, North Carolina. Visual conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal, night flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. The airplane was destroyed; the pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The flight departed the Allegheny County Airport, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 1830 hours. According to the pilot, he diverted into Raleigh to refuel, but while on final the engine quit. The pilot elected to leave the fuel selector on the right tank; the right fuel gauge showed approximately one half tank of fuel. Attempts to restore full engine power failed, and the pilot selected an area along the final approach course to runway 23R for a forced landing. Examination of the airplane disclosed that the left fuel tank was half full and the right tank was ruptured. A few drops of fuel was recovered from the gascolator assembly. During an interview with the pilot, he stated that he forgot to change the fuel selector before the engine quit. -